Lega Calcio News and Update

Jean-Claude Blanc confident of signing Xabi Alonso

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:41:00 +0000

Juventus director general Jean-Claude Blanc is still confident of signing despite Xabi Alonso Liverpool have held for a transfer fee higher.

The game of Spanish in Italy had to be closed on Monday, but discussions have stalled, with Liverpool said to be demanding £ 15.75million - a million more than the offer Juve.

White still believes Alonso, currently at Euro 2008, will be at the Stadio Olimpico next season, but claims the Bianconeri also have their eyes on other midfielders.

"We are after more than three football players," White told Sky Italia. And we'll see if what you read in the newspapers is true or other names that we're working.

"Xabi Alonso? This is a transaction that we make progress and we will compare it to other offers that might be made.

"We're looking for a very talented midfielder - there are not many who are around and some of them are not available. We have to talk first with the club and then with the player.

"Only one of these offers will be made."

Adrian Mutu agreed an extension with Fiorentina

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:41:00 +0000

Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has accepted a contract extension which will take him to the Serie A club until 2012.

The Romania enjoys an attacker spectacular season last year, displaying the kind of form which saw added to several clubs wish lists.

According to information received, Schalke was prepared to break the bank for 29 years trying to go to Germany.

He also talk of a rift between Fiorentina and Mutu, the player said he was dissatisfied with his salary.

But all the speculation about his future has been dispelled by the news, he remained in Florence for the next four years.

A statement on the club's official website confirmed the contract extension with a slight increase in wages and the prospect of performance bonuses.

Mutu, who also had spells with Parma, Juventus and Chelsea, has scored 33 goals in 62 appearances for Fiorentina.

Jose Mourinho make his signing as Internazionale coach

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:41:00 +0000

Jose Mourinho is set to make his first signing as Internazionale coach after the club agreed personal terms with Roma star Mancini.

Inter director Marco Branca met with the Brazil winger's agent Gilmar Veloz to finalise a four-year contract worth more than three million euros a year - more than double Mancini's current salary at Roma.

The Nerazzurri have still to agree a transfer fee for the 27-year-old, with Roma reportedly demanding 15 million euros while Inter would prefer a cash-plus-players deal.

'Thanks to the authorisation to deal with Inter which we received from Roma, we reached an agreement,' Veloz told Corriere dello Sport.

'Now it's up to the two clubs to discuss matters.'

Alberto Aquilani's agent insists the Roma star will stay

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:41:00 +0000

Alberto Aquilani's agent insists on Roma stars are always the Stadio Olimpico next season.

Aquilani contract expires in 2010 and Roma are keen to keep Italy and the midfielder, reportedly rejecting a 30 million euro offer from Juventus, Internazionale recently is one of many clubs thought mulling a move.

The talks would mark the player wage demands which are probably higher than Roma 2.5 million per season salary cap, but his agent Franco Zavaglia confidence is 23 years will remain at the club he supported as a boy .

"After the championship in Europe I think Aquilani renew its deal with Roma," he said SportItalia.

"He grew up there and he really wants to stay there.

"Recently, things have been reported to have angered the boy, in these situations, it is always wise to talk little and not give too much to the media."

Aquilani has spent his entire career in Rome since signing professional forms in 2002, apart from a season on loan to Triestina.

3 Seria A Club Fined

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:41:00 +0000

The Serie A clubs Genoa, Udinese and Reggina have all been fined 400000 euros for false accounting, the Italian Football Federation revealed Wednesday.

The three clubs were charged with making fictitious accounting entries "by far exceeds the actual value" for services players.

It is believed they were trying to meet the economic obligations to allow their teams to be admitted to Serie A and Serie B.

The presidents of the three clubs were also fined and handed bans ranging from one to four months, the federation has confirmed.

They had been accused of violating article one of the sport code of conduct, breaking the rules of ethics and show sincerity.

Roma signing John Arne Riise

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:41:00 +0000

Roma have completed the signing of Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise for a little less than £ 4million.

The Norway international will join the capital club on July 1 on a four-year deal worth £ 2.2million.

A statement on the club's official website, www.asroma.it read: `` AS Roma announce that they have reached an agreement with Liverpool Football Club for the acquisition of sports rights player John Arne Riise, with effect from July 1, 2008. "

The statement continued: `` AS Roma will also pay Liverpool Football Club, the following sums: 100000 euros [£ 79250] per season Roma should benefit from the UEFA Champions League in 2009/10 and 2010/11.

`` In addition, Liverpool FC will also receive 75000 euros [£ 60000] for all 25 official matches, the player participates, to a maximum of 300000 euros [£ 237550]. "

Riise Merseyside leaves after seven seasons with Liverpool, which he joined in Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2001.

The 27-year-old won the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006 in his time Anfield.

Riise, noted for his fierce shot and equally effective in midfield, is a regular under former manager Gérard Houllier and in the early years of current boss Rafael Benitez reign.

He established a reputation for spectacular goals, including one after just 45 seconds of the Carling Cup 2005 face Chelsea and the following year the FA Cup semi-finals, the Blues again opponents.

However, his 2006-07 campaign was overshadowed by an incident involving former teammate Craig Bellamy to a campaign training in Portugal for the Welsh who has been punished.

He suffered an indifferent campaign 2007-08, the nadir being when he scored a goal against his camp in the last minute of his side Champions League semi-final against Chelsea the first step.

Juventus fined 300,000 euro ($464,100)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:41:00 +0000

ROME, June 18 - Juventus have accepted a 300,000-euro ($ 464100) fine to settle charges of the second part of a probe in 2006 in a match-fixing scandal, Italian football federation (FIGC) said Wednesday .

Juventus will be able to pay the fine-tranches of 100,000 euros over the next three years, the FIGC said on its website (www.figc.it).

"This is not an admission of guilt is an act of generosity," Italian media quoted the legal adviser Juventus Franzo Grande Stevens said.

Charges considered allegations that the former Juve general manager Luciano Moggi gave foreign mobile phone SIM cards to match officials to create a system of secret communication with them.

Moggi was banned from football for five years in 2006 after the first part of the probe to attempts to get in line referees, while Juventus was relegated to second division and stripped of two league titles.

The Turin club won promotion back to top flight at the first attempt and finished third in Serie A last season to earn themselves a slot in a Champions League qualification.

Gianluca Paparesta, a senior Italian referee, was given a two-month suspension to settle accusations brought against him resulting from the second part of match-fixing probe, FIGC.

Messina, a second division side who were at the top flight when the scandal erupted, have been fined 60000 euros ($ 92820) for participation, while the club president and a former director have been banned for six months.

Adriano Galliani cannot compete in the race to sign Ronaldinho

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:41:00 +0000

AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani admitted the club can not compete financially with Manchester City in the race to sign Ronaldinho.

Galliani said Milan and other Italian clubs are being squeezed out of several transfer moves as clubs in England, Spain and Germany have more money to spend.

"I can not ignore the fact that Italian football is now in fourth position in Europe behind England, Spain and Germany," he said in Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We simply can not compete with some figures.

"Manchester City have offered Brazilian (Ronaldinho) 12 million euros (£ 9.5million) per year. We can not compete with that if they (Barcelona) outside to give him free. "

Adriano will return to Serie A

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:16:00 +0000

Adriano will return to the Serie A side Internazionale after the latest round of South America World Cup, Sao Paulo president Juvenal Juvencio revealed Tuesday.

The Brazil striker has fallen from favor with former Inter boss Roberto Mancini in 2007 and was sent on loan to Sao Paulo in order to regain form and fitness.

Adriano Estadio Morumbi performance earned him a recall Brazil and is now eager to return to the beginning of his loan, which was to end on July 10, to impress new boss Inter José Mourinho.

"The contract will be cancelled," said Juvencio. "He asked us for a rest period to return to European football and we accepted."

Before returning to Milan, Adriano revealed Juvencio Sao Paulo will meet his teammates and club officials.

"We wanted to organize a farewell party, but it will not be on the ground," he said.

Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho has accepted the President's decision because it believes that the attacker is becoming distracted by thoughts of Inter.

"His mind was not there," said Ramalho. "It is obvious. Adriano is focused elsewhere. He helped Sao Paulo a lot, but his time is over. We must not forget the good things he did. "

Adriano's last match for Sao Paulo on May 21, when the club lost 3-1 to Fluminense compatriots in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

He scored six goals in South America the first football club this season.

Inter Milan hoping to lure Frank Lampard

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:14:00 +0000

Inter Milan are hoping José Mourinho factor will be sufficient to attract the "number one" transfer Frank Lampard goal at San Siro this summer.

The Italians are already feeling the benefits of the appointment of Mourinho, with the selling season tickets for next season 30% more than the same stage last term.

And now, Inter president Massimo Moratti hopes Mourinho will have the Golden Touch in the transfer market, with midfielder Lampard Chelsea top of his wish list.

"Lampard? We like him, and he is our number one objective," Moratti told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

"Mourinho Lampard loves. We all know it is a great player."

Moratti also spoke about the negotiations with the Stamford Bridge held May have already begun, adding: "there was contact with Chelsea? I think he is, but I do not know yet. "

Moratti was less forthcoming on other names are linked to the club.

Barcelona Deco, who was a key member of Mourinho side Porto, which won the Champions League in 2004, has also been touted with a move to Italy.

Although Moratti admitted the Portugal game was a player he liked, he suggested competition will be fierce.

"Deco has the right characteristics to play Inter, but we can not do it all," he said.

His tone was even more sarcastic in response to the question on the possibility of putting wingers Portuguese Ricardo Quaresma and Cristiano Ronaldo in Milan.

"Forty million euros (£ 32million) to buy him (Quaresma)? This seems an absurd amount we do not intend to pay, "he continued.

And Cristiano Ronaldo? Oh yes, there is another who will not cost us a lot! "

Morrati revealed Inter season tickets have been sought after in Milan this summer.

"It Mourinho," admitted Moratti. "The fans are all curious and can not wait to see what Inter are waiting.

"It's not that I really considered this all before, but when I was forced to make a change, I knew I had to get the number one".

Former boss Roberto Mancini was fired despite winning seven titles including the last three Scudetti in four years in charge.

The only failure of Mancini's reign is unable to proceed beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

However, Moratti insists Mourinho will not be judged on what he can take the club in Europe - but he does expect a fourth consecutive year, Serie A title.

"The main objective of him may have won the Scudetto," said Moratti.

"To target the Champions League means a great deal of energy to the team and (win), it is like a draw."

Lecce promoted to Italy's Serie A

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:08:00 +0000

MILAN, June 15 (Reuters) - Lecce were promoted to Italy for Serie A on Sunday after drawing 1.1 at home with small Albinoleffe to complete a total 2.1 playoff final victory.

The side of the heel of Italy, who finished third in Serie B, are the last team to go this season after Chievo Verona and Bologna won automatic promotion.

Lecce won 1-0 in the first stage on Wednesday, having overcome Pisa in a two-legged playoff semi-finals earlier this month. They come up flight two seasons after being relegated.

Albinoleffe, who play in Bergamo and average crowds of 3000, beat Brescia in their semi-final, but was unable to continue the fable.

MADRID, June 15 (Reuters) - Malaga Sporting Gijon and were promoted to the Primera Liga with victories in their final games of the second division season on Sunday.

Malaga finished second behind already promoted Numancia champions after a 2-1 home victory over Tenerife, and top-flight after being relegated in 2006.

From sport were level on points in the third after a 2-0 home victory against Eibar, and a return after ten years spell in the second division.

Ariedo Braida interested to see Miguel Veloso

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:05:00 +0000

MILAN, June 14 (Serie A) - AC Milan director general Ariedo Braida has admitted he would like to see Portugal midfielder Miguel Veloso at the San Siro in the future.

The Sporting Lisbon player has attracted several contenders this season, with Manchester United had a bid for Veloso and his sports team-mate Joao Moutinho struck back earlier in the year.

The 22-year, which is currently at Euro 2008 with Portugal, announced earlier this week that he was confident of a deal being struck with Milan after claiming the Italians had made contact with his club.

Braida refused to hide his interest in the player, but admitted that striking an agreement in the short term May be difficult.

"Veloso is a great player, I think he signs for us in the future," said Braida Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

"I am not too sure if short-term, we see Miguel Veloso in Milan, but in the future, yes."

Milan are in the process of rebuilding their team after failing to finish in the top four of Serie A last season.

Mathieu Flamini and Gianluca Zambrotta have already joined the Rossoneri, while the Italian club announced that they are in the hunt for the one following the departure of Alberto Gilardino to Fiorentina.

Barcelona agreed to Zambrotta to AC Milan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:04:00 +0000

BARCELONA, June 12 (Primera Liga) - Barcelona have agreed a deal to sell full-back Gianluca Zambrotta to AC Milan.

The Spanish club confirmed on Friday that Italy international will join the Rossoneri face value of nine million euros

The 30 years old, who is with the Azzurri at Euro 2008, returns to Serie A after a two-year spell in Primera Liga.

The former Juventus star signed a four-year contract with the Milan club.

AC Milan warned Chelsea about Kaka

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:44:00 +0000

AC Milan have warned Chelsea that Kaka is not for sale.

There was fresh speculation linking the Blues with Brazil since Thursday's announcement of Luiz Felipe Scolari as their next leader.

Former Brazil national boss Scolari, currently leading Portugal to the Euro 2008, will take over at Stamford Bridge on July 1 and is likely to be handed a large pot of transfer.

The figures of nearly £ 50million have been suggested for 26-year-old Milan Kaka, but they insist not entertain any offers.

"It is normal for a Brazilian coach to try to establish the Brazilian players, technical director Leonardo told BBC Sport.

But Kaka signature is impossible, because it is here at AC Milan and will be until the end of his career. "

American company take over Bologna

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:35:00 +0000

ROME, June 12 (Reuters) - A U.S. company has signed an agreement to take over Bologna and later promoted to Serie A the only foreign-owned club.

A statement on the seven times Italian champions the site on Thursday said that TAG Partners LLC will acquire 100 percent of the club, valued at € 18 million.

He said that the company will purchase 80 per cent in July and take the remaining 20 percent at the end of next season. The statement said that the company will invest at least € 20 million in the club.

Alfredo Cazzola will remain as chairman, added the statement.

Bologna finished second in Serie B earlier this month to end a three-year spell outside the top flight.

They last won the Serie A title in 1964.

• Meanwhile, the Serie A club Genoa, Udinese and Reggina were all charged with false accounting.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced today the clubs' cases had been referred to the Disciplinary Commission by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Their respective presidents, Enrico Preziosi, Pasquale Foti and Franco Soldati, are all accused of violating article one of the sport code of conduct, breaking the rules of ethics and show sincerity.

They are charged with making fictitious accounting entries "by far exceeds the actual value" for services players.

Former President Genoa Luigi Della Costa, the director general Giovanni Blondet, as well as former President Pierpaolo Marino Udinese are also under investigation for accounting during their tenure in charge of clubs.

It is suspected that the three clubs have tried to meet the economic obligations to allow their teams to be admitted to Serie A and Serie B.

Serie A clubs charged with falsifying account

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:17:00 +0000

ROME, June 12 - Serie A clubs Genoa, Udinese and Reggina were charged with falsifying accounts so that they can meet the financial requirements to join championships past, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said Thursday.

The chief executives of the three clubs have also been charged along with three senior leaders, the FIGC said on its website.

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi and CEO Franco Soldati Udinese are accused of "contracts stipulating rights player with services much higher than the values actually attributable to these rights."

The FIGC prosecutor said that the player values have been inflated to allow the two clubs to meet the necessary financial arrangements to register for the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 seasons.

Reggina president Pasquale Foti has been accused of inflating transfer fees so that the southern Italian costume could enroll in the 2005/2006 Serie A season.

Serie A Champions Inter Milan and seven times European champions AC Milan have been charged in a similar case in February, although criminal charges against them were dropped.

A decision on the Inter Milan and the case is expected soon to a FIGC tribunal.

Christian Maggio move to Napoli

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:57:00 +0000

Napoli won the race to sign the promising midfielder Christian Maggio Sampdoria after completing a deal worth around 11million euros on Wednesday.

The 26 years, has signed a term of five years with the Naples-based club after an inspiration Samp qualification for the UEFA Cup last season.

English side Aston Villa have also been hunting Maggio, who, despite being a defensive-minded player, has scored nine goals last term. His performances saw him come close to break in Italy to put in place.

"I am delighted to be able to play an ambitious and prestigious club like Naples, Napoli Maggio said the official website. "I can not wait for the season to start."

Sampdoria general manager Beppe Marotta admitted Monday the sale of players such as Maggio was inevitable.

"Unfortunately we are not Real Madrid who can afford to buy a champion each year. If anything, we have to sell one," he said.

The transfer fee for Maggio, who joined the Fiorentina Sampdoria in 2006, will Genoa-based club finance the five-year contract recently awarded to Antonio Cassano.

Christian Chivu stay at Internazionale

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:01:00 +0000

Internazionale defender Christian Chivu has promised his future champions of Italian amid new claims Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is eager to bring to the Nou Camp stadium.

Chivu is currently in the national team with Romania in Euro 2008 where his team are preparing to face Italy in Zurich on Friday.

And while the 28 years he was admitted flattered by the interest of Barcelona, he revealed his intention to stay at Inter after joining the club from Roma last summer.

"It is fantastic that Pep Guardiola likes the way I play, but the truth is that now my plan is to stay at Inter," he said.

"I do not have a new club or my agent that Barca has made formally move for me. Anyway, Barca probably already consider me as a veteran."

Chivu has revealed the arrival of new manager, José Mourinho, was a motivating factor in its decision to reject outside interests to stay at San Siro.

The Romanian was not a departure regular under former boss Roberto Mancini and he looks forward to fight for more first-team opportunities under the Portuguese.

"It is Mourinho to decide my future now, but I think he has me in his plans after reading the statements he made," said Chivu.

"I am really impatient to work for him. Everyone has said good things about Mourinho and his results speak for themselves spells at Porto and Chelsea. All players are eagerly awaiting his arrival. "

Ricardo Carvalho would love to play underJose Mourinho

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:27:00 +0000

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho, he admitted "love" to play under former coach José Mourinho again, and revealed he would be discussing his Stamford Bridge future with chief executive Peter Kenyon after the Euro 2008 .

The Portugal centre-back has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, where Mourinho - who Carvalho coach at Porto and Chelsea - has been appointed boss.

The 30 years is one of many players should be tempted to join Mourinho, and he admits a difficult decision lies in wait for him at the end of the tournament.

"I heard a few comments (on a move to Inter)," he said.

"It's a club and I am inclined to play for the national team after that we will see.

But I would like to be coached by Mourinho. The majority of trophies I won were won with Mourinho.

"At Chelsea, there is a new cycle happen that we will see what happens. I have a contract with Chelsea.

"But you never know - sometimes a challenge is good for a player. I'll talk with Peter Kenyon after the tournament."

Cristiano Ronaldo, Carvalho of Portugal teammate, was also linked to an abandonment of Premier League with Real Madrid conceding they would be interested in signing Manchester United winger.

Carvalho believes that Ronaldo himself can decide whether its future is far from Old Trafford.

It must make its decision, "he added.

"Sometimes, a new challenge is good, but it must make this decision. I can not say much about this. "

Portsmouth refusing to comment to a £4million bid for Inter Milan's Patrick Vieira

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:39:00 +0000

Portsmouth refused to comment on speculation linking them with a £ 4million bid for Inter Milan of former Arsenal and Juventus star Patrick Vieira.

The French, now 32 and past his peak considerable, is still a powerful engine of its national side and command wages of around £ 100000 per week, but any agreement will have to wait Inter new manager José Mourinho has got his feet under the table at San Siro.

It was reported that plans for Mourinho raid former club Chelsea for clients such as Frank Lampard and Michael Essien, who in turn put pressure on midfielder Vieira Pompey but a spokesman said: "We are linked to a big name after another, and it is bound to happen but we are still not commented. "

Pompey chief executive officer Peter Storrie admitted manager Harry Redknapp wants five new signed this summer - at least three of them "top quality" to meet the new demands of a campaign of UEFA Cup and the bid for another Premier League top 10 finish.

And although he has expressly rejected a report by the signing of Brazilian midfielder Marcelo Mattos of Panathinaikos, the stories are still speculating in Greece Pompey's candidacy "over £ 5.9 million for the former Corinthians star.

His agent Pini Zahavi told the Portsmouth News: "At the moment we are considering three bids from English clubs for him, one of Portsmouth and two others.

"But it is still possible, he could stay with Panathinaikos. He likes working conditions and he likes the fans."

Success : Cannavaro's ankle surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:39:00 +0000

MOEDLING, Austria, on June 4 - Italy Fabio Cannavaro has managed an operation on his ankle ligaments on Wednesday and should return to action in about three months.

The defender was ruled out of Euro 2008 after being wounded on Monday when he was tackled by teammate Giorgio Chiellini in Italy from the first training session in Austria.

"The surgery lasted a little over half an hour and was very successful," the Italian football federation said in a statement after the Real Madrid player has under the knife at a clinic in Vienna.

Italy team doctor Andrea Ferretti said: "Three months is a reasonable estimate."

Cannavaro will remain with the team in Austria to offer support during the tournament. The federation said UEFA gave the 34-year-old special accreditation for the final phase and is now hoping to be allowed to sit on the bench during games.

He was replaced in the team by Alessandro Gamberini although a decision on who will take over as captain has yet to be done.

The world champions start their campaign against the Netherlands in Berne on Monday before facing Romania and France in a difficult group C.

Chelsea have ended their interest in Ancelotti

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:52:00 +0000

Chelsea have ended their interest in managing the AC Milan Carlo ancelotti, according to the Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani.

The Stamford Bridge equipment have been looking for a new boss since they Avram Grant dismissed last month with Ancelotti tipped as one of the main contenders.

However, the Italian insisted last week he would stay in Milan.

And Galliani claims, after talking to general manager Peter Kenyon at Chelsea this week, the Blues are now looking elsewhere.

He said today: "It is true that Chelsea were interested in Ancelotti, I knew that too.

"But at the end Ancelotti said no.

"Peter Kenyon has spoken to me and reaffirmed that as long as Milan will not let go Ancelotti, they will not take action. They are very correct and we have good relations.

"Chelsea will announce their new coach soon but no, I will not tell you if it is Italian."

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli and former director of Inter Milan Roberto Mancini have all been linked to employment.

Jose Mourinho continued his drive to reinvent himself as the 'Ordinary One'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:42:00 +0000

OKOHAMA, Japan, June 6 - Newly appointed Inter Milan coach José Mourinho has continued his effort to reinvent itself as the "ordinary one" in the Far East on Friday.

The former Chelsea manager refused to confirm speculation linking Frank Lampard, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien with a move to San Siro.

But Mourinho, which celebrates itself presented as a "Special One" when he arrived at Chelsea four years ago, I keep his pants when he explained why he stayed close to its former players.

"I do not think I am a special coach," the 45-year Portuguese, told a Thursday exhibition in Yokohama on Saturday.

"I just think I'm one of the good coaches in Europe who have won major competitions. The relationship I have with players is that I have with my friends - that's exactly the same.

"With friends and also with the players we have very good moments of our relationship and also bad times. But when bad weather we'll get over it in a very easy way."

Mourinho will be a foreign coach eleven against a Japanese side by the former captain Japan international Hidetoshi Nakata in a game awareness on global issues.

After training at Yokohama's Nissan Stadium, venue of the 2002 World Cup final, Mourinho refused to comment on any possible pre-season signatures.

"There is no relationship with this game and why I am here," said Mourinho, who will lead a side including Dutch pair Clarence Seedorf and Edgar Davids, Chilean Ivan Zamorano and Cameroon Patrick Mboma in Japan.

"We also have some older players," said Mourinho. "But I still very emotional when I see old players return to the game

"Maybe they have lost their legs, but the quality and football brain is still there."

Spalletti stays with Roma until 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:37:00 +0000

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti insist stay with the Serie A club despite reported interest from Chelsea.

Italy is one of the names linked to the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge following the ransacking of Avram Grant.

But the Giallorossi have insisted the 49 years will be staying.

"Spalletti is the coach of Roma and so far as we are aware continue to be the Roma coach next season," said a senior official club PA Sport.

"In addition, Spalletti is under contract with Roma until 2011."

Spalletti has helped defend their Roma Coppa Italia title this season when they also finished second behind Intern Milan in Serie A.

Del Piero is expected to captain Italy in Euro 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:13:00 +0000

BADEN, Austria, June 5 - Alessandro Del Piero is expected to captain Italy in Euro 2008 because he holds the most caps, team-mate Gennaro Gattuso said Thursday.

Defender Fabio Cannavaro, who has 116 appearances Italy, was due to skipper the world champions but was excluded from the tournament after tearing ligaments of the ankle Monday.

Del Piero is in the following line in terms of ceilings with 86, but the attacker is not guaranteed to play had not started by Roberto Donadoni for later in September.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, with 82 appearances, is widely expected to be handed the armband for the Group C matches against the Netherlands, Romania and France.

"I think at this time Del Piero is on board because of appearances," said midfielder Gattuso a press conference.

"If he does not play, the captain is Buffon. We know that for us, Buffon is very important."

Gattuso was in his usual jovial mood, tripping and falling into a revolving advertising board before cracking jokes throughout the press conference.

The hard tackler is serious when it comes to Italy task ahead, however, say humility is the key.

"We must prepare well for games and when you go on the ground, we owe our grain teeth and do not think we are world champions," he said.

"We have a group of good teams and we must be careful."

Gattuso looks certain to start the first Monday match against the Netherlands and midfielder tipped colleagues Alberto Aquilani as a surprise package in Italy.

Aquilani, 23, set up the second goal last week the 3-1 friendly win in Belgium after playing regularly instead leaving Massimo Ambrosini.

"I love Aquilani. I like the way he behaves and how it is on the ground, "Gattuso said, adding that the attacker Luca Toni was among the most important players because of his selflessness when holding up the ball .

"It is really a man of the team," he said.

Gattuso, who has reaffirmed its belief that the Championship of Europe is more difficult than the World Cup, made to Italy's training 4-3-3 as evidence, they are more defensive.

"With three forward, it shows that we are an attacking team," he said.